Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy L. (Leshon) Miller.
Hi Tracy L. (Leshon), thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely. For a magazine feature, I’d make it more narrative and reflective while preserving your voice and the important names and history.
My name is **Tracy Miller**, and I currently serve as Secretary of the **NAACP Aiken County Branch**, a position I have been honored to hold since 2018.
My journey with the NAACP is perhaps a little different from that of many longtime members. I did not grow up in the organization, nor did I fully understand the depth of its mission, history, and impact until I became involved myself. What began as a simple invitation to attend a meeting would ultimately introduce me to a calling for service that I did not yet realize was waiting for me.
My good friend, **Dr. Melencia Johnson**, who was serving as First Vice President of the Aiken County Branch at the time, invited me to attend a branch meeting. I accepted the invitation, began attending regularly, and soon found myself becoming more involved in the work of the organization. I was drawn to its commitment to advocacy, service, and improving the lives of people within our community.
As I continued to show up and serve, branch leaders recognized my talents, consistency and my heart for community work. I was eventually approached by the legendary **James Gallman, Sr.**, a longtime NAACP leader who serves on the NAACP National Board and holds leadership roles as Membership Chair and Assistant Treasurer. His encouragement helped open the door for me to become more deeply involved in the organization and its mission. Both he and then President, Eugene White, guided me along the way and shaped me into a Secretary worthy of serving an Award-Winning Adult Branch, College Chapter and Youth Council.
And, as they say, the rest is history.
What began with an invitation to attend one meeting became the beginning of a much greater journey—one that introduced me to community advocacy, strengthened my commitment to service, and ultimately helped shape me into a civil rights activist. Through the NAACP, I learned that advocacy is not simply about holding a title or attending meetings. It is about showing up, speaking up, serving others, and being willing to do the work necessary to help move a community forward. I have always been an avid volunteer in church or health related efforts, but this opportunity has afforded me the ability to connect many of my organizations and strengthen community support across the board.
Looking back, I realize that sometimes purpose finds us before we even recognize it for ourselves. For me, that invitation to an NAACP meeting was more than an invitation—it was the beginning of a new chapter of service, leadership, and advocacy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road working for this organization, nor has it been easy getting involved in certain areas of need for our community.
It takes years to understand the By-Laws and Constitution of the NAACP. Many people do not realize that we (Branches and State Conferences) are regulated by the National Office and have rules that must be enforced and more importantly, Followed by the unit and it’s leadership (Executive Committee). It is the job of the Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) to learn these rules, understand them and enforce them. We are responsible for knowing how to respond to situations when they arise and correct them so as to keep our unit in compliance.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Tracy Leshon Miller, CCRC
Tracy L. Miller is a Certified Clinical Research Associate with the Clinical Trials Office at Augusta University and has proudly served the Medical College of Georgia since 2002. With more than two decades of experience in clinical research, Ms. Miller has coordinated research across numerous specialties including the Georgia Prevention Institute, Infectious Diseases, Pulmonary Medicine, Nephrology, Kidney Transplant, Rheumatology, Urology, and the Tumor Bank at the Georgia Cancer Center. In recognition of her dedication to excellence in healthcare and research, Tracy was honored in 2023 as a Shine Award recipient at Wellstar/Augusta University—Superior Healthcare Workers Inciting Never-Ending Excellence—with the Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplant.
A proud native of the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) with deep family roots, Tracy is the Daughter of the late Alice Miller (2000) and the late Dwight Scott (2008), Paternal granddaughter of Louise McCutcheon-Scott and the late L.D. Scott and Maternal granddaughter of the late Kirby and Lila Mae (Robinson) Miller. Ms. Miller earned her Bachelor of Health Science from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and holds a Medical Laboratory Science degree from Midlands Technical College. She also completed transfer coursework in Psychology at University of South Carolina Aiken. Tracy is certified as a Clinical Research Coordinator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals and is a registered Medical Laboratory Technician through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. She also holds a micro-credential in Inclusive Excellence from Augusta University and was recognized as an International Scholar and Dean’s List scholarship recipient during her time at MUSC.
Beyond her professional achievements, Tracy is a dedicated servant-leader in her community. She currently serves as Branch Secretary for the NAACP Aiken County Branch and is an associate member of the National Black Nurses Association through the Concerned National Black Nurses Association of the CSRA. Passionate about health education and community outreach, she serves as a Community Cancer Educator trained through the Georgia Cancer Center and volunteers with both the Augusta University Medical Reserve Corps and the South Carolina Medical Reserve Corps. Tracy is also a past member of the American Public Health Association, where she served as a policy reviewer for the Ethics and Health Administration sections and contributed to leadership through the Section Council. Since 2021, she has served as Board Member and Research Chair for LAUNCH Augusta (Leaders and Adolescents Uniting to Navigate Careers in Healthcare), a nonprofit dedicated to increasing diversity in healthcare professions by providing early exposure opportunities for students in grades K–12. She also contributes to institutional leadership through appointments to the Augusta University Council of Excellence Leaders Committee and the Community Engagement and Outreach Advisory Board. Awards & Accolades Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – Sigma Pi Chapter, Ms. Mardi Gras 2nd Runner-Up, Psi Omega Chapter Certificate of Appreciation, TRIUMPH Centennial Coordinator (August 2025) NAACP Aiken County Branch – Proficiency Award (September 2023) NAACP Aiken County Branch – Community Champion Award (September 2022).
In her free time, Tracy enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, creating graphic designs, event planning, participating in Zumba fitness and belly dance, and appreciating the simple luxury of restful sleep. Through her work in research, mentorship, and community service, Tracy Miller remains committed to advancing health equity, empowering future healthcare leaders, and making a lasting impact throughout the Central Savannah River Area.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The future of the community heavily depends upon the (good) seeds we plant today. Plant your good seed, water all those you can and trust the process. Change starts with YOU.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @naacpaikencounty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAACPAikenCounty/
